1. Place the countertop on the cabinet. Push it into the corner. 2. Set the scribe tool to 1/8 inch. The scribe tool has two small arms. One looks like a small dull knife. The other arm has a pencil. Separate the two by 1/8 inch and turn the wing nut at the top to lock it. 3. Hold the scribe tool vertically by the top with one hand.
How to make a countertop with 1/4 inch MDF?
When was the order of operations for scribing two edges of a countertop for setting into a corner?
How do I cut a flanking wall?
How do you scribe a countertop in a corner?
If your countertop won't fit into the corner, you can make it fit with a scribe tool and a circular saw. Scribe tools are small, handheld devices that resemble compasses. They are used to transfer the line of the wall to the particleboard or plywood countertop. It can then be cut to fit.
What is the best tool to cut laminate countertop?
To cut through laminate countertops, you can use a hand saw, but a circular saw makes the job much quicker. Because a circular saw can produce jagged edges and chip the laminate, your best bet is to lay the laminate face-side down and cut from the back to the front.
Can you miter laminate countertops?
When laminating an L- shaped countertop, it's fine to butt two factory-cut pieces together, as long as the legs meet at 90 degrees. But it's better to join them with a miter that looks elegant and doesn't depend on the L being perfect. To get a tight miter, both edges have to line up exactly.
How do you shave laminate countertops?
0:144:59How to trim a laminate countertop edge. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you see the edge of this is kind of sticking up a decent amount here. So what I'm gonna do is I'mMoreSo you see the edge of this is kind of sticking up a decent amount here. So what I'm gonna do is I'm going to take this. And I'm gonna file this down the Sun like. This. You want to be real gentle.
How can I cut laminate without chipping?
We therefore recommend cutting from the back of the sheet (far from you) to the front (towards you), with the laminated side down, to avoid chipping the laminate. If you are installing your sheet as a countertop or on top of other furniture, leave the curves and the corners out.
Is laminate countertop easy to cut?
Laminate countertops are layers of paper that have been glued together and finished with a resin topping. It is not necessarily difficult to cut, but it is easily subject to chipping, and in the trimming of the edges can also be worn down.
How do you attach a miter to a laminate countertop?
1:052:14Miter Assembly on Laminate Countertops - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply a liberal amount of miter bond to glue to the edge of each piece of the countertop. Slide theMoreApply a liberal amount of miter bond to glue to the edge of each piece of the countertop. Slide the pieces together and set the mitre bolts in place snug the mitre bolts.
How do you cut a 45-degree angle on a laminate countertop?
1:019:44Make a Perfect 45 Degree/Miter Cut in a Laminate Countertop - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'm taking my feed square here and I'm just checking to make certain that that 45 is on theMoreAnd I'm taking my feed square here and I'm just checking to make certain that that 45 is on the money slide it in so you can get a good look at. It. See it's right right on the money. There.
How can I hide laminate countertop seams?
0:252:40countertop repair, hiding seams with paint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I filled them with paint in this segment I joined two pieces of splash together. When I wasMoreSo I filled them with paint in this segment I joined two pieces of splash together. When I was finished filling with paint you can see the seam it's almost invisible.
Is it better to cut before or after laminating?
When you need this, it is wise to cut the materials first and then laminate. That way you can get a secure seal around the whole edge rather than cutting afterwards and leaving the potential that the laminate could lift. If you laminate then cut right around the material it may also leave the end unprotected.
Can you sand laminate countertop edges?
Attach 120-grit carbide sandpaper to an orbital sander. Hold the sander at a 45-degree angle pointing down toward the ground. The downward angle will prevent the laminate from lifting from the counter. Sand the laminate to smooth the edges.
Can you cut things after laminating?
If you lack another kind of trimmer, you can definitely use the scissors to trim your laminated documents especially if you used thinner film. If you do use scissors, slide them through the laminate – don't open and close the blades. This will give you a smoother cut.
What blade do I use to cut laminate countertop?
From our experience, we recommend you to use a quality jigsaw, as what you get is what you pay for. Nevertheless, the crucial aspect of cutting laminate countertop is to choose a blade with downward oriented teeth. In addition, the blade should have a medium to high tooth count.
What blade is best for cutting laminate?
Carbide tipped bladesCarbide tipped blades are best when cutting laminates and harder exotics. Quality blades can be re-edged or sharpened several times saving money.
What type of jigsaw blade do I use to cut laminate countertop?
The Bosch T101BR jigsaw blade is an ideal choice for cutting laminate materials. The blade cuts on the down stroke, not on the upstroke, the “R” in the product code referring to its “reversed” teeth. This is a popular blade often referred to as a worktop blade.
Can you cut laminate countertop with a utility knife?
You can use several tools to cut laminates, including a table saw or handheld power saw, a utility knife, a router or a hand slitter.
How do I install a range top?
Always follow manufacturer's directions for Installing appliances. Place the sink or rangetop rim on the back side of the countertop, where the appliance is to be located. Mark all the way around the edge of the rim. Use a jig saw to cut the hole 1/4" to 3/8“ smaller than the line. All cutout corners should have clean, chip-free radii. Apply two layers of heat-conductive aluminum tape around rangetop cutout.
How to scribe countertop to wall?
Place the top on the cabinet. Use a scriber-compass to mark the top edge of the countertop, then belt-sand or block-plane to the line. This will contour the countertop to the wall. Put top in place, check for level and stability, and then secure to cabinets with wood screws.
How to cut Formica laminate?
Cover the Formica ® brand laminate surface in the area to be sawed with a strip of masking tape and draw a pencil line on the tape to serve as your cutting guide. Use a fine-tooth handsaw (10 to 12 point) and always cut into the laminate surface to avoid chipping. Sand or file the cut to ensure a smooth surface.
How to apply end caps to kitchen counter?
To apply end caps, set household iron at medium heat. Iron cap onto the end of the countertop with a back-and forth motion . Let set for one minute, then tap the cap carefully with a rubber mallet. Finish trimming with a fine file, applying pressure only on the up strokes.
How to apply end caps to laminate?
To apply end caps using non pre-glued end caps, apply a contact adhesive to both the substrate and the laminate. Follow manufacturer's guidelines for when adhesive is ready for bonding. Roll laminate with a J-roller. Finish trimming with a fine file, applying only pressure in the up strokes.
What is your responsibility when installing Formica?
Caution: Safety is your responsibility. Exercise care with tools when installing Formica ® brand products.
How to clean a hot surface?
Clean with dampened cloth or sponge, using mild soap or detergent. Place hot objects on hot pads or trivets, as temperatures over 275°F (135°C) will damage the surface. Do not use abrasive pads, cleaners or powders. Use a cutting board to avoid surface damage from knives or sharp implements.
Dispatches From the Field
OK, I know what you're going to say–building laminate countertops is crazy. And years ago when I was running a big framing and trim crew, I would have agreed.
Good Foundation
The substrate is the most important part. Plywood, particleboard, and MDF work, but I prefer exterior-grade MDF. It costs more, but with all the water action at the sink and steam billowing from the dishwasher vent, a better substrate will keep me from getting called back for moisture problems.
Sheetwork
Photo: David Sharpe Glue and screw 2-1/2-inch build-up strips along the front and rear edges. Use full-width pieces at least 2 feet wide to span over joints in the surface piece. Add cross strips where cabinets meet.
Glue-Up
Use waterborne adhesive. It's slower to work with but nearly vapor free, and rollers, brushes, and squeegees work fine to apply it.
Trimming the Fat
The key to a crisp, trimmed edge is to use a sharp carbide laminate bit in a laminate trimmer with a good bearing. Gummed-up or worn bearings can bind and burn. Set the bit to cut the precise thickness of the laminate. Apply gentle pressure against the edge, keeping the trimmer base flat to the top surface; move at an even pace for a clean cut.
Screw Up
The final step is attaching the top to the cabinet bases. Screwing from beneath is a task for a right-angle drill/driver. Select the right length screw and insert spacers between the cabinet corner block and substrate. Without the spacer, the corner block can crack or bend upward and let the screw penetrate the laminate surface.
Scribing
Use dividers, a pencil body, or small wood block to transfer the profile for straight-run tops. Tops with inside corners require an adjustment. Hold dividers at an angle to match the offset of the scribe to the adjacent wall. This accounts for how much the countertop will "slide" sideways to engage the adjoining wall.
How do I install a range top?
Place the sink or rangetop rim on the back side of the countertop, where the appliance is to be located. Mark all the way around the edge of the rim. Use a jig saw to cut the hole 1/4" to 3/8“ smaller than the line. All cutout corners should have clean, chip-free radii. Apply two layers of heat-conductive aluminum tape around rangetop cutout.
How to apply end caps to laminate?
To apply end caps, set household iron at medium heat. Iron cap onto the end of the countertop with a back-and forth motion. Let set for one minute, then tap the cap carefully with a rubber mallet. Finish trimming with a fine file, applying pressure only on the up strokes. Complete instructions are included in the end cap kit. To apply end caps using non pre-glued end caps, apply a contact adhesive to both the substrate and the laminate.
Is Formica laminate resistant to heat?
Remove excess sealant from sink area or end splash. The Formica ® brand laminate surface of your new countertop is highly resistant to staining , wear and heat. It is not, however, completely impervious to chemicals, scratches and hot objects.
Do you need to seal a sink before installing a faucet?
This is important if space behind the installed bowl is too tight for easy connection of plumbing fittings. All sinks must be sealed with sealant to avoid water damage to base material.
How to make a quarter inch lip on particleboard?
Place the scribe upside down on the front of the cabinet, under the edge of the particleboard top. The pencil should be marking the underside of the particleboard. Slide the scribe along the front of the cabinets and along one or both sides as necessary to create a quarter-inch lip on the particleboard.
How to make a particle board countertop?
1. Place the particleboard countertop on top of the cabinet. Slide it tight against the wall. Slide a pair of cabinet scribes along the wall. A cabinet scribe is a small handheld tool similar to a compass. It has two small arms. One side has a pencil. The other side has a small plate, similar to a blunt knife.
How many arms does a particle board have?
It has two small arms. One side has a pencil. The other side has a small plate, similar to a blunt knife. As you slide the plate along the wall, the pencil transfers the line of the wall to the particleboard.
Can you cut particleboard to fit a countertop?
If you're trying to install preformed countertops to uneven walls, you can't cut them to fit. All you can do is caulk behind them, or place molding or backsplash material to fill the gaps from uneven walls.
Can you cut a countertop to a wall?
You can cut and fit new countertops to any kind of wall. Countertops usually are nothing more than particleboard with a laminate or tile covering applied after the particleboard is installed.
Who is Wade Shaddy?
Shaddy has also worked as a newspaper reporter and writer, and as a contributing writer for Bicycling Magazine. Shaddy began publishing in various magazines in 1992, and published a novel, “Dark Canyon,” in 2008.
How to make a countertop with 1/4 inch MDF?
Then using a Fastcap scriber, scribe and then belt sand to fit wall on both ends and back edge, then overlap and draw line and cut on line, then clamp to countertop and use a pattern bit and route it off to pattern and install.
When was the order of operations for scribing two edges of a countertop for setting into a corner?
Order of operations for scribing two edges of a countertop for setting into a corner. February 17, 2011
How do I cut a flanking wall?
Then dial it in. Use a power hand planer to scribe the top and undercut the scribe line to make the edge jointing the walls sharp so you can tap it into the drywall a bit if needed. Fine tune with a belt sander if necessary. I have been doing it this way for years with tops, panels, floorboards, etc. and now don't need anything other than a power plane and circular saw to make quick work of it.
